Hampton's Designer Show House 2016 ~ part 1

I always make sure when I am planning my weekend in the Hamptons that it coincides with the Traditional Home Hampton's Show house.
Every show house has its own overriding vibe.  This one was predominately neutral, natural, and with touches of ethnicity.  In other words ~ It was right up my alley!

The house on the hill is new construction, set on 3 acres, is 10,000 sq. ft plus, and can be yours for a cool $5,300,000.00.

The entry by mother/daughter design duo McGrath II said nautical with its rift cut oak trim wood with blue and white color theme, but as you assend the stairs (above), it became clear natural elements ruled the roost.

Melanie Turner's living room was one of my favorites ~ and there were several.  The cool, tonal, textural space is a classic, sophisticated beach look I like.  A touch of subtle color comes from the pair of Sally King Benedict paintings.  The ceiling and fixture are outstanding!

Kate Singer had many "moments" in her more traditional great room in conjunction with Ballard Designs.  A relaxed, collected look was achieved with the help of de Gourney wallpaper as screen, soft white accessories, a gorgeous Gustavian bench, antiques, and a selection of subtle fabrics.

A kitchen by Bakes and Kropp never disappoints!  They uniquely coordinate stunning kitchens with a range of materials.

Gideon Mendelson gave us the most color in his Mad Men inspired dining room with a lot of built in architecture, which makes sense because Gideon has a degree in architecture.  The leather insert ceiling was especially captivating.

Upstairs, this room by Elle Cole also struck my fancy.  I loved the soft color combination and a touch of tiger is always right.

The master bedroom done by Mabley Hadler seemed like a slight departure from what I am used to seeing from them.  Instead of turquoises and bright blues mixed with white, they used a softer palette closer to periwinkle mixed with gray.

The guest room, or very regal kids room was a standout done by Dodson Interiors.  Julie is known for her "casual glamour" aesthetic.  Not only is it sophisticated in the nature of the decor, with its upscale bedding, adorable bunnies by Hunt Slonem, leather beds with brass trim, full bed crowns, and the antiques that were incorporated, every level of detail was done to perfection.

We'll touch on more beautiful bedrooms in the follow up post.

Till next time ~

Monkey Business

The Chinese New Year on the Lunar calendar has come and gone but there's nothing subtle about the 9th zodiac symbol of the 12 animals on the Chinese calendar, the monkey.  This year, specifically the year of the Fire Monkey, incorporates the fire element.  Its the most dominant of all the elements.  This combination heralds a strong pull with innovation, but unpredictability.  The Monkey's characteristics are curiosity and quick wit, while being mischievous, clever and resourceful.            

There is a plethora of playful patterns in wallpaper ranging from the whimsical to the artistic.  The Victorian decorative arts period brought with it the French and Eastern Asian style with monkeys often married with the Chinoiserie motif creating a perfect partnership.

DeGourney's "Deco Monkeys" conveys equal amounts of mischievousness and beauty!

A Shade Wilder makes the money a symbol that creates a bold graphic print that jumps off the wall.

Of course monkeys are represented in Jonathan Adler's menagerie

 A cookie connoisseur might appreciate Baccarat's crystal monkey cookie jar.

Seletti makes sure our "Monkey as focal point" lighting needs are covered in different ways

Monkey motifs have a storied past in decorative arts and design.  By donning different outfits, they convey a humanistic appeal, while simultaneously satirizing us, often in 18th century garb.

Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, Le Singe peintre

Hunt Slonem's "All Eyes" pattern is inspired by Monkey eyes.

The Dracula Simia or monkey orchid is a seasonless beauty blooming in the cloud forests of Ecuador,  and Peru. Their scent is one of a ripe orange.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,  conveyed in Conner's wise monkeys

This is an archival illustration by Harrison Howard who licensed his original works to Caspari for paper products as well as private clients for everything from invitations to wallpapers.

Robert Kuo's bronze, almost life size monkey, would bring good luck to any room.  Could it be any cuter?

 The Year of The Fire Monkey is a great year for new starts.  Where will your path take you?

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Marketplace

The Marketplace Design Center in Philadelphia, not unlike the D & D Building in New York, or any other design center across the country for that matter, keeps us interior designers informed, educated and amused with seminars or continuing educations courses.  I always try to support The Marketplace. It has/is going through a rough transition at the moment.  When I read that Hunt Slonem was to be speaking I decided to head over and support him and everyone at Kravet; besides he is quite amusing.

I ran into him and we had a conversation about a new building that he recently purchased in Scranton.  He was moving his studio and mentioned he has been antique shopping and he also barters his art for furniture.  I thought to myself, "Hmm, what do I have to barter?" Hunt went on to speak and I had an a-ha moment. I've got it!  I have been wanting to sell a heavy, dark, antique library/dining room table and Jacobean chairs.  I yearned for something lighter and slightly more modern.  But finding the right home for these somewhat sentimental antiques was challenging.  They came from a historic home in Philadelphia, The Horace Jayne House, that my father's law practice had bought; it housed his firm for years.

Hunt agreed and a deal was struck!  My antiques would be right at home at Hunt's place and I would be the owner of one of his beautiful paintings.  I wanted to go to his much talked about studio and select something personally.

It was everything I imagined it to be and more.  His fabrics thru Lee Jofa are right at home on the ornate furniture, creating a whimsical juxtaposition.  My furniture is a logical addition to what he already owns.

What an adventure!  From the moment you walk in, it is a huge visual feast of sights and sounds.  Painted canvases sit side by side with collections of all kinds.  He is a self professed "collectorator."

Much was being shipped to museums and galleries around the world!

A menagerie of animals; fish, turtles, birds, plus plants and flowers bring the studio to life, not to mention the birds, butterflies, and bunnies that watch you from the walls.

The famous birds take up a lot of real estate within the studio.  Periodically you heard them squawking, "Hunt! Hunt!"

They may perch on his shoulder periodically, but they don't interfere with the painting process.  Many paintings are on rotation vying for attention

No studio space was spared or overlooked!

So, while my dining room may be empty for awhile bunny Steven and bunny Carrie will be very happy in their new home as will my antiques, in Hunt's studio.

That's a win/win!



photos:CLI